Dallas Cowboys: Post-draft early roster predictions
Defense and Special Teams
Linebacker: Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, Damien Wilson, Joe Thomas, Leighton Vander Esch, Chris Covington (6)
The loss of Anthony Hitchens forced the Cowboys to take a linebacker with the first pick in the draft. The Cowboys took Leighton Vander Esch to help shore up the position. While the Cowboys do play a 4-3 defense they primarily use two linebackers. Vander Esch and Wilson will sub in at different times during the game. Thomas and Covington making the team based on their ability to help on special teams.
Cornerback: Byron Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Chidobe Awuzie, Anthony Brown, Marquez White (5)
The cornerback group is pretty solid. Kris Richard is taking over the group and his first decision was to move Byron Jones from safety back to cornerback. Your starting outside corners will be Jones and Awuzie with Lewis moving to the slot after Orlando Scandrick’s release. Your reserves are Brown and White.
Safety: Jeff Heath, Xavier Woods, Kavon Frazier, Tyree Robinson (4)
The biggest question of all positions for the Cowboys right now is the safety position. The position was not addressed in free agency or in the draft. While the Cowboys flirted with the Seahawks to trade for Earl Thomas, it never came to fruition. Your starters will be Heath and Woods with Frazier and Robinson as the backups.
*There is still a possibility the Dallas Cowboys are waiting for teams to make cuts before they add a veteran to the position.
Defensive End: DeMarcus Lawrence, Taco Charlton, Charles Tapper, Kony Ealy, Dorance Armstrong (5)
No real shocking changes to this groups. DeMarcus Lawrence and Taco Charlton will be your day one starter’s after Charlton takes a step forward during training camp. Kony Ealy, Charles Tapper, and Dorance Armstrong will be the rotational players.
*The big wild card which could push Ealy or Armstrong off the roster would be the return of Randy Gregory
Defensive Tackle: David Irving, Tyrone Crawford, Brian Price, Maliek Collins, Jihad Ward (5)
Your starters at defensive tackle will be David Irving and Brian Price. Tyrone Crawford will rotate between defensive end and defensive tackle. Maliek Collins and Jihad Ward will be your rotational players.
*The Dallas Cowboys may pick up a veteran tackle if they are released to add more competition.
Next: Dallas Cowboys: 15 best first-round picks of all-time
Special Teams: Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur
No changes to one of the best special team groups in the league. Dan Bailey as your kicker. Chris Jones will be your punter and L.P. Ladouceur will return as your long snapper for one more year.
Remember this is a very early roster projection. Any players you could see making or not making the roster? Let me know.
Follow me on Twitter at Watson703 – Send me a message. I’m always open to talking about America’s Team.